Texas constable duties and responsibilities. CONSTABLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE TITLE 3.

Texas constable duties and responsibilities. This publication is written by constables for constables. (Texas Government Code 411. However, they have additional enforcement responsibilities for which other peace officers are not accountable. Constables and their deputies have all the responsibility of any peace officer in the state. CONSTABLE SUBCHAPTER A. Sep 9, 2025 · Precinct 3 Duties & Responsibilities Constables are sworn Texas peace officers with full law enforcement and arrest powers. " [2] The Campus Police Officer reports to the Campus Police Sergeant, Director of Campus Police and the V. Art. County Sheriff Serves as a licensed peace officer and is responsible for enforcing the criminal laws of the state. [1] Government roles Constables are certified Texas peace officers, completing training and passing the Texas Commission on Officer Standards and Education exam within 270 days after taking office. Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Duties of Texas Constables Constables and their deputies have all the same authority and responsibilities as any peace officer in the State. Their primary responsibilities include enforcing civil and criminal laws, serving legal documents such as subpoenas, eviction notices, and warrants, and providing courtroom security for the justice of the peace courts. Texas Constable’s Guide to Civil Process In accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, constables have the same duties and powers as any police officers and sheriffs, and may enforce all criminal and traffic laws and conduct criminal investigations. A county constable in Texas has the following duties: Serves as a licensed peace officer and performs various law enforcement functions, including issuing traffic citations. From providing security in the courts, to serving warrants and subpoenas, the Sheriff’s Office ensures the safety and well-being of the community Duties The Constable and the deputies have all the powers and responsibilities of any peace officer in the state. Performs criminal information searches and retrieval using Texas Department of Public Safety criminal history system access. Understand the Role of a Correctional Officer Before embarking on this career path, it's essential to understand the duties and responsibilities of a correctional officer. JOB SUMMARY Performs routine supervisory work in the care and custody of inmates. Assists the Texas Mar 18, 2024 · Houston-area constables have bigger staffs and much more sweeping responsibilities than any of their peers in Texas. What is a Constable? Constables are constitutionally authorized peace officers. (e) A police officer has: (1) the powers, rights, duties, and jurisdiction granted to or imposed on a peace officer by the Code of Criminal Procedure; and In Texas, the Sheriff’s Office plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order within the state. Performs a variety of marginal duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed. Explanation of the kinds and levels of law enforcement agencies in Texas, officer qualifications and training, crime statistics, and more. (b) The officer shall: (1) in every case authorized by the provisions of this Code, interfere without warrant to prevent or Texas possesses a substantial amount of the nation’s critical infrastructure and key resources and has over 313,000 miles of roadways with over 210,000 miles in the unincorporated areas of Texas. CONSTABLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE TITLE 3. Assists the Texas Duties of a Constable The duties of a constable vary, depending on the community they serve. In Texas, constables and their deputies are fully empowered peace officers with countywide jurisdiction, and thus may legally exercise their authority in any precinct within their county. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Patrol Lieutenant. The Constables can also enforce traffic laws and any other duties that fall on Texas Peace Officers. The vehicles will be given a registration sticker, which goes on the windshield. In Texas, a constable serves the court, but also performs other law enforcement duties. Regardless of changes in its administrative nature, the office of constable has been authorized in early Texas constitution since the days of the Republic, but is in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Texas Penal Code, the Texas Local Government Code, and other assorted laws, rules, and regulations that the general duties of Texas Constables are spelled out in detail. Understanding the Texas Penal Code is crucial for constable police texas, informing their actions and limitations regarding law enforcement duties. I. Examples of Important Responsibilities and Duties-Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Enforces the civil and criminal laws of Texas; works as a Bailiff in Justice Court, completes civil process from various courts, patrols subdivisions and watches for suspicious activity; enforces traffic laws on County roads; assists other agencies (e. They may write citations, make arrests, conduct Sep 9, 2025 · Duties & Responsibilities Constables in Texas are certified peace officers and have all enforcement powers of any peace officer. Constables have the same arrest powers and duties as municipal police officers and sheriffs and have the added responsibility of executing civil process for the courts. The attorney general may offer to a county or district attorney the assistance of the attorney general's office in the prosecution of an offense described by Article 60. However, they have additional enforcement responsibilities that regular street police officers do not have. A person who has served as the constable of a precinct for 10 or Definition Serves civil process and warrants. PEACE OFFICERS GENERALLY. 03. Dec 21, 2018 · Along with their deputies, constables and sheriffs assist courts and enforce laws. They may write tickets, make arrests, conduct investigations, and file criminal charges. Texas counties each feature constables, whose duties, while rooted in tradition, are surprisingly broad. These include ministerial, magistrate, judicial, and prosecutorial duties. Our responsibilities include executing warrants and serving process Jul 5, 2022 · In the criminal justice system, there are several different categories of duties or responsibilities that may be performed by officers of the court. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Constables and their deputies may enforce traffic laws, criminal laws, serve warrants, provide security for the court system and assist other agencies. org/About-Texas-Counties/About Performs criminal information searches and retrieval using Texas Department of Public Safety criminal history system access. 005 (Notice to Vacate Prior to Filing Eviction Suit), Property Code, relating to eviction actions are process for purposes of this section that may be executed by a constable. DUTIES OF ATTORNEY GENERAL. This includes all civil citations, notices, writs, subpoenas, and criminal arrest warrants. The presiding officer of the committee or, in the absence of the presiding officer, the assistant presiding officer shall preside at each committee meeting and perform the other duties prescribed by this chapter. Moreover, some constables’ offices limit themselves to only these activities but others provide patrol, investigative, and security services as well. Jun 27, 2025 · This page lists the essential functions of a TDCJ Correctional Officer and provides links to the physical and mental characteristics required of the position. Aug 26, 2015 · The Texas constable is provided for in the Texas Constitution of 1876 (Article 5, Section 19). The scope and magnitude of the public safety threat environment is substantial and possesses an asymmetric threat to public safety and includes: 2009 Texas Code LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE TITLE 3. Court clerks should know who can legitimately perform these different duties. Some of their duties are related to law enforcement and others are focused on court logistics. Training Licensing and Training Beginning in 1985, Texas constables were required to be licensed by the state of Texas as peace officers within two-hundred and seventy days after taking office. For more complete information about the responsibilities of a constable and other county officials, see the "2018 Guide to Texas Laws for County Officials. Constables have served the justice court system since 1362. The Constable appoints their own deputies, who must also be certified peace officers. 1. 001. 01 Duties and Powers Peace officers duties primarily affect the public, that is, the prevention of crime and arrest of offenders. Responsibilities of county officials are found throughout the Texas Constitution, Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, and the various Summary As the intermediate supervisor, oversee the operation of the Constable's Office. The statutory duties and responsibilities of county government officials in Texas are numerous. In addition, by statute, constables must serve all warrants, precepts and civil process lawfully directed to them, and therefore the constable is the chief process server for The duties of a Texas constable generally include providing bailiffs for the justice of the peace court(s) within his precinct and serving process issued there and from any other court. The mission of this office is to serve as judicial officers for our courts. The bond must be conditioned that the officer will faithfully perform the officer's duties. Click an icon below to learn more about each county official. Texas correctional officers work for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and are responsible for: Texas County Constables are elected law enforcement officials who serve as peace officers within their respective precincts in a county. More Information Texas Local Government Code Chapter 86. Aug 22, 2025 · Core Responsibilities Texas constables carry out a range of duties, encompassing both civil and criminal law enforcement. ELIGIBILITY TO SERVE AFTER BOUNDARY CHANGE. All of the registering will go through the license and weight division of the Constable's Office with the Precinct #2 Constable being appointed as the coordinator. fire, EMS, Department of Public Safety, traffic control, etc. Explore the history of the position and its power and duties throughout the United Mar 16, 2025 · Learn about the role of peace officers in Texas, including their legal classification, responsibilities, and the qualifications required for the position. In 1583, Constable William Lambard published the first policy and procedures manual for law enforcement. Executes civil process and writs 2. Statutes do not provide much direction, but clerks can look at a judge’s judicial authority Constable Job Description Template This Constable job description template is a useful tool for any organization looking to hire a law enforcement professional. For example in Arizona, a constable specifically serves the court. The Constable may seize and sell real and personal property upon lawful order of a court, returning the proceeds according to law. Their civil responsibilities primarily involve serving legal documents issued by courts, such as summons, subpoenas, writs of garnishment, attachments, executions, and eviction notices. In accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Constables have the same duties and powers as any other peace officer, such as municipal police and Sheriffs, and may enforce all criminal laws, traffic laws, and conduct criminal investigations. Provides direct supervision of inmate work groups in their daily assigned duties, prevents escapes, and maintains discipline in conformance with strict rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures. Duties General Duties Peace Officers 1. A constable may in some jurisdictions be assisted by deputy constables as sworn officers or constable's officers as civil staff, usually as process servers. Policy It is the policy of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to provide a job description of each position. Both positions require law enforcement education and training. On request of a county or district attorney, the attorney general shall assist in the Sep 1, 2009 · (a) A constable shall execute and return as provided by law each process, warrant, and precept that is directed to the constable and is delivered by a lawful officer. Aug 19, 2025 · Summary As the intermediate supervisor, oversee the operation of the Constable's Office. Duties / Responsibilities The statutory duties of the office of the Constable are to execute all civil and criminal process recorded throughout the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas. Serve civil process and warrant papers; investigate criminal law violations; and file cases with the Justice Court and District Attorney's Office. 052. In such states the office is relatively obscure to its citizens. They also serve legal documents and perform other duties. Texas Statutes Code , Local Government Code; Title 3, Organization of County Government; Subtitle B, Commissioners Court and County Officers; Chapter 86, Con CITY OF BENBROOK, TEXAS - Job Specification POLICE OFFICER SUMMARY OF CLASSIFICATION: Under general supervision, provides responsive and courteous police services, maintains order in the community, and protects lives and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances; duties generally consist of assistance, traffic control, investigations, interventions and patrol. They can arrest, with or without warrant, those individuals found in violation of any laws. Files cases with the Justice Court, County Court and District Attorney. 148, Sec. They have the full right, duty, and authority to enforce all criminal and civil laws or ordinances that are county or state-based, and they can do this anywhere in the state of Texas. To effect this purpose, the officer shall use all lawful means. Constable Precinct 3-Mark "Maddog" Davison Telephone: 936-298-9407 Duties and Responsibilities of the Constable https://www. Constable Ron Hood, Precinct 4 - Duties and Responsibilities Texas Constables and their deputies are fully empowered peace officers, with countywide jurisdiction who may legally exercise their authority in any precinct within their county. ing traffic stops, assisting public schools, environmental/abat Responding to service calls and completing reports as assigned. The duties of a Texas constable generally include providing bailiffs for the justice of the peace court (s) within his precinct and serving process issued there and from any other court. 53. The individual has daily contact with the Responds to delegation of duties from Sergeant, Lieutenant or Chief Deputy. 13 Duties and Powers (a) It is the duty of every peace officer to preserve the peace within the officer’s jurisdiction. g. Summary of Functions: Performs licensed peace officer tasks in accordance with State and local laws and the policies and procedures of the Constable’s Office and performs bailiff tasks for the Justice of the Peace. The family of jobs is organized in a career path that extends from Deputy Constable I (NE-07) to Deputy Constable V (NE-11). They range from mandatory requirements pertaining to essential public functions to optional authority to carry out discretionary activities. The role of law enforcement within the intricate structure of Texas's legal system includes the often misunderstood figure of the Constable. " Please note: Some duties performed by officials may vary within individual counties. Constables and Deputy ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Oversees the direction of overall supervision of correctional officers and inmates; supervises, schedules, instructs, trains, and ensures the safety of assigned employees and inmates; and assists in formulating security and work procedures. ); testifies in courts as needed. COMMISSIONERS COURT AND COUNTY OFFICERS CHAPTER 86. constable, or a reserve deputy constable who holds a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; marshal or police officer of a municipality or a reserve Education & Training The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) provides a wide variety of coordinated, professionally planned training events to address the daily challenges of county officials and staff. " Duties of the Constables Jan 23, 2025 · School Marshal Duties and Responsibilities The School Marshal Advisory Committee is charged with developing a generic description of school marshal duties and responsibilities for use by an examining practitioner during the psychological examination required at enrollment, initial licensure, renewal, or reapplication. In addition, by statute, Constables must serve all warrants, precepts, and civil process lawfully directed to them. , ch. In some states, villages or towns, an office with similar duties is marshal. Constables are Texas Peace Officers and may arrest, with or without warrant, violators of State Penal laws and Proficient knowledge of law enforcement and security operations and the responsibilities of a peace officer Minimum of a Basic Peace Officer Proficiency Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). What is the jurisdiction of a county sheriff in Texas? Constables have all the powers and responsibilities of any Texas Peace Officer under the Texas Code and Criminal Procedure 14. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES PURPOSE OF THE GUIDE The statutory duties and responsibilities of county government officials in Texas are numerous. The template can be customized to fit Duties and Responsibilities The Reserve Division of the Bexar County Constable’s Office of Pct. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. The position of Deputy Constable II is the second level position of the Deputy Constable family of jobs. Oct 2, 2015 · Constable Civil Guide This guide is intended to provide constables with current and accurate information for successful performance of the constables’ many duties and responsibilities. 2A. As the highest ranking law enforcement officer in the county, the Sheriff is responsible for a wide range of duties and responsibilities. 01. Job Description Approved By: Commissioners’ Court work knowledge of law enforcement procedures. Hopefully, this clarifies the role and provides insight into what they do. 094 & Texas Education Code 51. Apr 21, 2009 · I. The following are peace officers: (1) a sheriff, a sheriff's deputy, or a reserve deputy sheriff who holds a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; (2) a constable, a deputy constable, or a reserve deputy constable who holds a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; (3) a marshal A Constable in Texas is a licensed peace officer and performs various law enforcement functions, including issuing traffic citations. They also enforce civil court orders. 051 (g) the victim of which is younger than 17 years of age at the time the offense is committed. The powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Sheriff are set out under various provisions of Vernon’s Annotated Texas Statutes, including, but not limited to: Civil Statutes, Government Code, Local Government Code, Family Code, Human Resources Code, Probate Code, Civil Nov 21, 2023 · Define constable and their role in the criminal justice system. The Constable is also an associate member of the Texas Department of Public Safety. It is intended to provide constables with current and accurate information for successful performance of the constables’ many duties and responsibilities. They were written into the Texas Constitution of 1876 and remain as one of only a few Constitutional Officers of the State of Texas. II. Investigates violations of criminal law. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The constable may authorize a reserve deputy constable who is a peace officer as described by Article 2A. P. Constables The constables serve as a law enforcement agency for Travis County, with county-wide jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters. Work involves assisting in performing in-service training of staff. (2) constables, deputy constables, and those reserve deputy constables who hold a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; (3) marshals or police officers of an incorporated city, town, or village, and those reserve municipal police officers who hold a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701 TEXAS PEACE OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION (GENERIC) GENERAL DESCRIPTION Performs public safety work as a first responder. A constable is a licensed peace officer who performs various law enforcement functions. Advancement through the career path is contingent upon achieving increasing levels of skill, experience, education, certification and performance. Serves warrants and civil papers such as subpoenas and temporary restraining Constable Responsibilities & Services Texas Constables and their deputies are an elite group of law enforcement that predates even the Texas Rangers. 021. county. They process and execute civil process from various courts, including forcible entry and detainers, writs of possession, citations, and executions issued from the justice of the peace courts. What does a Constable Do in Texas? A county constable in Texas has the following duties: The elected position of Constable, primarily within Texas, carries specific statutory responsibilities related to civil process and certain criminal matters. Therefore, the Constable is Responds to inquiries from offenders and the public in person, telephonically, and in writing. May serve as the Tax Assessor-Collector in counties with fewer than 8,000 residents. 01: Constables and Deputy Constables are classified as peace Officers and are licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. The sheriff may authorize a reserve deputy who is a peace officer as described by Article 2A. 215) What is a Constable? Constables are constitutionally authorized peace officers. Sept. The following are peace officers: (1) a sheriff, a sheriff's deputy, or a reserve deputy sheriff who holds a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; (2) a constable, a deputy constable, or a reserve deputy constable who holds a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; (3) a marshal What is a Constable? A constable is a licensed peace officer and performs various law enforcement functions. Work involves the enforcement of criminal and general laws of the State of Texas and the enforcement of rules and regulations of the appointing agency regarding traffic, safety, and security of persons and property. The difference between constable and sheriff positions varies according to jurisdiction and the duties defined in a state’s constitution. Travis County Constable Bruce Elfant, immediate past president of the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas Filed Under: County Focus Tagged With: County Constable Highway Patrol Division Troopers enforce traffic laws on rural Texas highways and perform a variety of other duties: Apprehend traffic law violators, investigate most rural traffic accidents, recover stolen vehicles and stolen property, apprehend wanted persons, and assist other officers during emergencies. The information in this book, however, may not be sufficient in dealing with a particular area of inquiry. Article 2. They may write tickets, make arrests, conduct investigations and file criminal charges. (d) Each police officer shall execute a bond as the governing body may require. Regulates bail bondsmen in counties with no bail bond board. Constitutional Authority The Office of Sheriff is established by Article 5, Section 23, of the Texas Constitution. GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec. What are the Duties? The Constable and their deputies have all the powers and responsibilities of any peace officer in the State. This is a security-sensitive position and is subject to a criminal history record. JOB DESCRIPTION: CORRECTIONAL OFFICER / LIBERTY COUNTY JAIL Summary This position oversees and maintains custody, care and control of inmates or detainees of a facility, while enforcing the rules, regulations, policies and procedures set forth by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. Sec. Our responsibilities include executing warrants and serving processes that are directed to the constable including eviction actions and seizing property. In accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Constables have the same duties and powers as do police officers and sheriffs, and may enforce all criminal and traffic laws and conduct criminal investigations. Notices required by Section 24. (b) A constable may Code of Crim. 2. ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT SUBTITLE B. ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 86. What is a Constable? A constable is a licensed peace officer and performs various law enforcement functions. 72 (a), eff. Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. 001, Code of Criminal Procedure, to carry a weapon or act as a peace officer at all times, regardless of whether the reserve deputy is engaged in the actual discharge of official duties, or may limit the authority of the reserve deputy to carry a weapon The purpose of this policy is to establish the rank structure and job description of positions in the HCSO. Executes warrants 3. Once in office, constables' duties vary by county, but they are seen as the closest office "to the people. Their duties: to prevent issues along the roadways. Constable Find your Precinct Number *NOTE: Select "Layer List" in the top-right corner, uncheck "City Limits," then select "Justice of the Peace. 1, 1987. A constable executes citation, notice, warrant, subpoena, or writ. Primary Responsibilities Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Serving civil process, criminal warrants, Acting as a bailiff for the court. Jun 9, 2025 · Learn about what constables and police officers do and the differences between their responsibilities, job outlooks and salaries and work environments. By command of statute, it is the duty of every peace Aug 26, 2015 · Responsibilities of Constables Office It is the Constable's duty to execute and return all processes, warrants, summonses and judgement enforcement documents as directed by lawful officials. 001, Code of Criminal Procedure, to carry a weapon or act as a peace officer at all times, regardless of whether the reserve deputy constable is engaged in the actual discharge of official duties, or may limit the authority of the reserve Nevertheless, constables in Texas serve a unique role within the state’s law enforcement system, balancing both traditional law enforcement duties and specific civil responsibilities. When there is no sheriff, the duties of that office, as to all proceedings under criminal law, devolve upon the officer who is empowered to discharge the duties of sheriff. Although the constable is considered a local precinct officer, his territorial jurisdiction, like that of sheriff, extends to the entire county. of Student Services and/or President. He may seize, impound, and sell real and personal property as directed by law. Makes arrests and detains suspects 4. FAQ What is a sheriff in Texas? A sheriff is an elected law enforcement officer who apprehends fugitives, runs a county jail, and leads a team of sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement personnel, among other duties. It outlines the key responsibilities and requirements for the role, including maintaining public safety, enforcing laws and regulations, conducting investigations, and providing testimony in court. 86. Constables have the same authority as Feb 11, 2025 · What is a Constable? A constable is a law enforcement officer whose primary responsibilities revolve around civil duties and serving the court system. Remember “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” – the 1972 Movie? The job duties and responsibilities have changed over the years!!! It is the Constable's duty to execute and return all processes, warrants, summonses and judgement enforcement documents as directed by lawful officials. 4 (BCCO4) is continuously seeking qualified peace officers who meet the high standards necessary to become a Bexar County Reserve Deputy Constable A bailiff is an officer of the court and performs the duties of the office under the direction and supervision of the judge of the court. Completing all assigned duties accurately and in a timely manner. This FAQ section answers some common questions about the duties and responsibilities of Constables in the state of Texas. GENERAL DESCRIPTION Performs correctional work involving the care and custody of pretrial detainees and convicted offenders (inmates). The specific roles and authorities of constables can vary greatly across different states and jurisdictions, but generally, they are tasked with: Serving legal documents: Constables are responsible for delivering court summons, subpoenas Oct 5, 2015 · In 1825, the Statute of Winchester constituted two constables for every 100 people. To be licensed, a peace officer must take and pass the 1260-hour Basic Peace Officers Course at a state-licensed law enforcement academy. APPOINTMENT. Proc. Nov 9, 2004 · JPCA also has lobbied to limit county liability by requiring that constables be qualified and trained to enforce civil and criminal laws upon assuming their duties. bw3 0lt6wt 5clzwv ohvx1 sti w36r 3jy1 0gesdz m0p bre